Harden increasingly likely to give Rockets an All-Star

The Rockets should have plenty of representation in the numerous festivities All-Star Weekend has to offer. ( Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle )

BOSTON — The initial thought that the Rockets might not be invited to the party they are hosting no longer seems a concern.

It was far from certain James Harden would represent the Rockets in the NBA All-Star Game on Feb. 17 in Toyota Center when his trade here was made just before the season. Unless the baseball writers take over the voting, that seems close to a breakaway slam dunk now.

Harden moved past LeBron James into fourth in league scoring. Beyond that, Harden has carried the Rockets to a 21-15 record, scoring at least 25 points in 14 consecutive games, with many coming down the stretch and providing a winning lift as the Rockets have won 10 of 13 games.

“It would be great to do that this year with the game in Houston, with the trade and everything,” Harden said. “It’s always good to be recognized, but it would mean a lot this season.”

Harden has exceeded expectations, with the guard adjusting quickly to the role of go-to scorer and the responsibilities — along with defensive attention — that come with that.

“He does it in different ways,” Rockets coach Kevin McHale said. “There are nights where he’ll make 3s, nights where he gets to the line. There are nights he gets layups. He puts pressure on the defense. He’s got the ability to make shots. He can attack and score against bigs, which a lot of guards can’t do. He can really finish.

“He’s a special, special talent. He really is. He’s getting better all the time. This is the first time he’s ever been asked to try to carry a team, and that’s a lot of responsibility. He’s done a tremendous job.”

If enough other Western Conference coaches feel the same way, Harden will get his first All-Star appearance.

And he likely will not be the only Rockets player in the game.

All-Star Game
Most likely Rockets choice: Harden.

The starters will be announced Thursday. Jeremy Lin was third, Harden fourth among Western Conference guards in the most recent voting update.

Assuming neither catches Kobe Bryant or Chris Paul to be voted in as a starter, the Rockets would have to get a spot as a coaches’ pick, which would be their first player chosen as a reserve since Clyde Drexler in 1997.

The Rockets don’t appear to have any candidates for the dunk contest. Greg Smith can bend rims, but he would seem to be the sort of power player who does not often fit in the dunk contest.

Past participants: Chase Budinger, 2012; Steve Francis, 2000, 2001.

3-point shootout
Most likely choice: Carlos Delfino.

The Rockets are second in 3-pointers made, but they spread the wealth, with no one among the league leaders in 3s made or 3-point shooting percentage.

Carlos Delfino has the best mix, with 64 3-pointers made on 39 percent shooting.

“I would love to do that,” Delfino said. “When I was playing in Toronto, Jason Kapono was champion from the year before, and he was going to compete. So for the last month before, he was working out for it. I used to get the racks.

“It’s not easy. You have to work and find your timing and speed. But it was fun.”

Past participants: Kenny Smith, 1993; Cuttino Mobley, 2004.

Skills challenge
Most likely choice: Jeremy Lin.

The Rockets have not had anyone in the skills challenge since it debuted in 2002, but Lin would seem ideal for the event. His speed off the dribble fits the event, and his popularity both in the United States and internationally — along with the hometown factor — could make him an easy choice.

“I’d have to look at it, I guess,” Lin said. “I’m not too focused on it right now, but it would be an honor. A lot depends on how your body feels at that time. But it was really fun to be a part of (All-Star Weekend last season) for sure. It was a great experience. It was something I’ll always remember.”

Past participants: None.

Shooting stars
Most likely choice: Chandler Parsons.

Houston will almost certainly have a team in the event, identified as a Texas team to include a player from the San Antonio WNBA team.

Parsons was part of the shooting stars last season, and the league might prefer to have a variety of local players involved rather than have Lin in more than one event if he is selected for the skills challenge.

“I’d do that again,” Parsons said. “Allan Houston hit the half-court shot with six seconds (remaining), so we have to get some revenge on New York. To be part of the shooting stars, mingling with all the stars and celebrities, was incredible.”

A two-year starter and the Rockets’ second-leading scorer, Parsons looms as a likely selection for the Friday night game. Marcus Morris, now in the starting lineup, would have a shot and said he’d love a spot in the game.

“It would definitely be one of my accomplishments,” Morris said. “I think I put up good numbers this year to play in the rookie-sophomore game.”

With almost a fully healthy roster, Houston outlasted Sacramento at the Sleep Train Arena.
Record: 42-33.

April 3: Rockets 112, Kings 102

With almost a fully healthy roster, Houston outlasted Sacramento at the Sleep Train Arena.
Record: 42-33.

Photo: Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press

Image 15 of 89

April 1: Rockets 111, Magic 103

Omer Asik (22 points and 18 rebounds) led the Harden and Parson-less Rockets to a huge first half lead and then let the backups take care of business in the fourth quarter against the lowly Magic.
Record: 41-33. less

April 1: Rockets 111, Magic 103

Omer Asik (22 points and 18 rebounds) led the Harden and Parson-less Rockets to a huge first half lead and then let the backups take care of business in the fourth quarter ... more

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

Image 16 of 89

March 30: Rockets 98, Clippers 81

Chandler Parsons throws down two of his 15 points during the blowout victory.
Record: 40-33.

March 30: Rockets 98, Clippers 81

Chandler Parsons throws down two of his 15 points during the blowout victory.
Record: 40-33.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Chronicle

Image 17 of 89

March 29: Grizzlies 103, Rockets 94

With the loss, Memphis moved up 2-1 over Houston in the season series.
Record: 39-33.

March 29: Grizzlies 103, Rockets 94

With the loss, Memphis moved up 2-1 over Houston in the season series.
Record: 39-33.

Photo: Danny Johnston / Associated Press

Image 18 of 89

March 27: Pacers 100, Rockets 91

Indiana is the NBA's top defensive unit and they came to Houston and effectively shut down the league's top offensive unit.
Record: 39-32.

March 27: Pacers 100, Rockets 91

Indiana is the NBA's top defensive unit and they came to Houston and effectively shut down the league's top offensive unit.
Record: 39-32.

Photo: James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle

Image 19 of 89

March 24: Rockets 96, Spurs 95

James Harden hit the game-winning jumper with just under five seconds left as the Rockets held off the Spurs in the heat of the playoff race.
Record: 39-31.

March 24: Rockets 96, Spurs 95

James Harden hit the game-winning jumper with just under five seconds left as the Rockets held off the Spurs in the heat of the playoff race.
Record: 39-31.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

Image 20 of 89

March 22: Rockets 116, Cavaliers 78

Houston's reserve players got to play in the fourth quarter and the Rockets took control against Cleveland long before the end of regulation.
Record: 38-31.

March 22: Rockets 116, Cavaliers 78

Houston's reserve players got to play in the fourth quarter and the Rockets took control against Cleveland long before the end of regulation.
Record: 38-31.

The Rockets watched a 19-point lead after three quarters shrink quickly in the closing minutes, but thanks to some clutch drives by Jeremy Lin and great free throw shooting by James Harden they were able to hold on for their 37th victory of the season.
Record: 37-31. less

March 20: Rockets 100, Jazz 93

The Rockets watched a 19-point lead after three quarters shrink quickly in the closing minutes, but thanks to some clutch drives by Jeremy Lin and great free throw shooting by ... more

Photo: James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle

Image 22 of 89

March 17: Warriors 108, Rockets 78

A cold start from the field led to the worst loss of the season for James Harden and Co.
Record: 36-31.

March 17: Warriors 108, Rockets 78

A cold start from the field led to the worst loss of the season for James Harden and Co.
Record: 36-31.

James Harden's first career triple-double led the Rockets to a hard-fought win against the Bobcats. Patrick Patterson contributed 14 fourth quarter points.
Record: 26-23.

Feb. 2: Rockets 109, Bobcats 95

James Harden's first career triple-double led the Rockets to a hard-fought win against the Bobcats. Patrick Patterson contributed 14 fourth quarter points.
Record: 26-23.

Photo: Nick de la Torre / Chronicle

Image 41 of 89

Jan. 30: Nuggets 118, Rockets 110

James Harden scored 21 points, but Danilo Gallinari's 27 points (15 in the second half) led the Nuggets to the win.
Record: 25-23.

Jan. 30: Nuggets 118, Rockets 110

James Harden scored 21 points, but Danilo Gallinari's 27 points (15 in the second half) led the Nuggets to the win.
Record: 25-23.

Photo: Joe Mahoney / Associated Press

Image 42 of 89

Jan. 26: Rockets 125, Jazz 80

Utah had a difficult time containing Houston, as the Rockets won their third consecutive contest. Jeremy Lin had 12 points and seven assists
Record: 25-22.

Jan. 26: Rockets 125, Jazz 80

Utah had a difficult time containing Houston, as the Rockets won their third consecutive contest. Jeremy Lin had 12 points and seven assists
Record: 25-22.

Photo: Rick Bowmer / Associated Press

Image 43 of 89

Jan. 26: Rockets 119, Nets 106

The Rockets were unstoppable on offense in this one, putting up 119 points on Brooklyn.
Record: 24-22.

Jan. 26: Rockets 119, Nets 106

The Rockets were unstoppable on offense in this one, putting up 119 points on Brooklyn.
Record: 24-22.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

Image 44 of 89

Jan. 25: Rockets 100, Hornets 82

The Rockets won three out of four games against New Orleans this season.
Record: 23-22.

Jan. 25: Rockets 100, Hornets 82

The Rockets won three out of four games against New Orleans this season.
Record: 23-22.

Photo: Gerald Herbert / Associated Press

Image 45 of 89

Jan. 23: Nuggets 105, Rockets 95

The Nuggets used a 36-22 third quarter differential to coast to an easy win in Houston.
Record: 22-22.

Jan. 23: Nuggets 105, Rockets 95

The Nuggets used a 36-22 third quarter differential to coast to an easy win in Houston.
Record: 22-22.

Photo: Nick de la Torre / Houston Chronicle

Image 46 of 89

Jan. 21: Rockets 100, Bobcats 94

James Harden scored a team-high 29 points and Carlos Delfino added 16 off the bench as the Rockets snapped their seven-game losing streak.
Record: 22-21.

Jan. 21: Rockets 100, Bobcats 94

James Harden scored a team-high 29 points and Carlos Delfino added 16 off the bench as the Rockets snapped their seven-game losing streak.
Record: 22-21.

Photo: Chuck Burton / Associated Press

Image 47 of 89

Jan. 19: Timberwolves 92, Rockets 79

Cold shooting and turnovers lead to more losing as the Rockets dropped a seventh game in a row.
Record: 21-21.

Jan. 19: Timberwolves 92, Rockets 79

Cold shooting and turnovers lead to more losing as the Rockets dropped a seventh game in a row.
Record: 21-21.

Photo: Stacy Bengs / Associated Press

Image 48 of 89

Jan. 18: Pacers 105, Rockets 95

The Rockets couldn't keep up with the red-hot shooting by the Pacers (46% from the field, 58% for 3s) and fell to 7-13 on the road this season.
Record: 21-20.

Jan. 18: Pacers 105, Rockets 95

The Rockets couldn't keep up with the red-hot shooting by the Pacers (46% from the field, 58% for 3s) and fell to 7-13 on the road this season.
Record: 21-20.

Photo: Darron Cummings / Associated Press

Image 49 of 89

Jan. 16: Mavericks 105, Rockets 100

The Rockets were able to tie the game up in the fourth quarter before the Mavericks sealed their fate in the closing minutes. The Rockets have now lost 13 straight games to division opponents when playing away from Toyota Center.
Record: 21-19. less

Jan. 16: Mavericks 105, Rockets 100

The Rockets were able to tie the game up in the fourth quarter before the Mavericks sealed their fate in the closing minutes. The Rockets have now lost 13 straight games to ... more

Photo: Paul Moseley / McClatchy-Tribune News Service

Image 50 of 89

Jan. 15: Clippers 117, Rockets 109

Even without star point guard Chris Paul, Los Angeles made easy work of the Rockets. Houston lost it's fourth consecutive game.
Record: 21-18.

Jan. 15: Clippers 117, Rockets 109

Even without star point guard Chris Paul, Los Angeles made easy work of the Rockets. Houston lost it's fourth consecutive game.
Record: 21-18.